'Close to agreeing' - Journalist says Arsenal have taken major step forward in Mudryk Shakhtar talks

Arsenal are close to agreeing a deal with Shakhtar Donetsk for Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to multiple reports.

The Gunners assigned Mudryk as their priority target ahead of the January transfer window, and have already had one bid rejected for the 22-year-old.

Shakhtar are said to want €100 million for the player, a similar fee to that received by Ajax for the sale of Antony to Manchester United in the summer.

Talks have been progressing between both clubs over the signing of Mudryk, who has seven goals and seven assists in just 12 league appearances for Shakhtar this season.

He has also scored three goals and provided two assists in the Champions League this term, and impressed in both group stage ties against Real Madrid.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is keen to add more depth to his squad, and the signing of Mudryk would represent a major boost as Arsenal look to push on in the second half of the season. They are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Now, several journalists have claimed that the two teams have taken a significant step forward in negotiations.

Arsenal and Shakhtar 'close to agreeing deal' for Mudryk

Sport Arena's Yehor Danylov, as well as Foot Mercato's Santi Aouna, have revealed how close Arsenal are to agreeing a deal for the winger, and that potential bonuses still need to be finalised.

Danylov wrote: "The clubs are close to agreeing on the full amount of the transfer, which includes the base payment and bonuses.

"The parties are discussing the ratio of guaranteed payment and bonuses for the Ukrainian football player. The London club wants bonuses to be at least 30% of the entire fee. Shakhtar wants bonuses to be a maximum of 20%."

The same source also claims that Mudryk has already agreed personal terms on a move to Emirates Stadium - and Gunners fans will now be quietly confident that a move can be finalised in January.